The Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love, holds many hidden stories and mysteries. This magnificent structure, widely admired for its beauty, has many lesser-known facts that make it even more intriguing
1. The Black Taj Mahal: A Lost Dream
Many don’t know that the Taj Mahal was supposed to have a twin – a black Taj Mahal! Emperor Shah Jahan planned to build it for himself, right across the Yamuna River from the white Taj Mahal. French traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier recorded this plan in 1665. However, before Shah Jahan could realize this dream, his son Aurangzeb imprisoned him, halting the project forever.
2. Yamuna River: The Taj Mahal’s Lifeline
The majestic Taj Mahal owes its survival to the Yamuna River. The monument’s foundation is made of timber, a material that typically weakens over time. However, the constant moisture from the river keeps the wood strong, preventing the Taj Mahal from sinking or collapsing over the centuries. Without the Yamuna, the foundation might have crumbled long ago!
3. The Taj Mahal Wasn’t Supposed to Be in Agra
Originally, Shah Jahan planned to build the Taj Mahal in Burhanpur, where Mumtaz Mahal had initially been buried. However, due to the lack of quality white marble in the region, the construction was moved to Agra, where the required materials were more accessible.
4. Changing Colors of the Taj Mahal
One of the most magical aspects of the Taj Mahal is how it changes color throughout the day. In the morning, the white marble reflects a pinkish hue; by afternoon, it glows white; and during sunset, it takes on a golden tint. This changing color effect is due to the reflection of sunlight on the marble.
5. Secret Underground Chambers
Beneath the Taj Mahal lie hidden chambers sealed off from the public for centuries. These mysterious rooms were supposedly used during its construction, but no one knows exactly what’s inside them. Theories suggest they may hold treasures or construction secrets, adding to the monument’s intrigue.
6. A Protective Design for Earthquakes
The four minarets of the Taj Mahal aren’t just for show. They lean slightly outward, designed this way to protect the main structure. In the event of an earthquake, the towers would collapse outward, away from the central mausoleum, keeping the main tomb intact.
7. Cost of Construction: Then vs. Now
The Taj Mahal’s construction, completed in 1653, cost around 32 million rupees at the time. Today, the cost of building such a monument would be astronomical—estimated to be around 70 billion rupees (or approximately 1 billion USD).
8. The Garden Transformation
The lush gardens of the Taj Mahal that we see today weren’t part of the original design. After years of neglect, the original gardens, once filled with fruit trees, were replaced with the British-style lawns during Lord Curzon’s time in the early 1900s. The garden restoration aimed to preserve the beauty of the site.
9. Taj Mahal’s Hidden Water Channel
One of the lesser-known features of the Taj Mahal is its intricate water system. Inside the monument, there’s a small hole in the ceiling that continuously drips water, symbolizing Shah Jahan’s tears for his beloved Mumtaz Mahal. Legend says this dripping water was meant to represent eternal sorrow.
10. Optical Illusion of Size
The Taj Mahal plays a fascinating visual trick on its visitors. When viewed from the entrance gate, the monument appears close and grand, but as you walk towards it, the Taj Mahal seems to shrink in size. This illusion adds to the allure and mystery of the structure, captivating millions of visitors each year.
